Everyone has a different TFN. Your TFN is yours for life, even if you change
jobs, move interstate or change your name. If you leave the country and later
come back to Australia, you still use the same TFN.

When you make enquiries about your tax records, the Australian Taxation
Office will ask you for your TFN. They will also ask for other information to
check that you are who you say you are.

Your TFN is valuable. Do not share it with friends and do not provide it over
the internet when applying for jobs.

Why do you need a TFN?

It is not compulsory to have a TFN. However, without it:

# your employer must take 45% of your wages in tax
# financial institutions are required to tax your interest at 45%
# Centrelink will generally not pay you an allowance such as -
Youth Allowance, Newstart or Austudy
# you will not be able to defer your higher education fees

There are two ways you can apply for a Tax File Number:

1. Apply online and then attend an interview at an Australia Post Office:

This is the easiest way to apply for a TFN. There are 3 steps in the process:

ii) Print off the summary - after completing the form, you need to print off
the application summary. You will
need it for the next step.

iii) Attend an Australia Post interview - you must attend an interview at
your local Australia Post outlet within
30 days of completing your online application. Bookings are
not essential, but are recommended. You
will need to take 2 things with you to your interview:
a) Your printed application summary
b) Your "Proof of Identity" documents (see notes below about
what is required for proof of identity).

2. Complete the paper based form and send in your "Proof of Identity":

If you are not able to attend an interview, you can
complete the paper based application form. To get this you can contact
the Australian Taxation Office on 13 28 61 and ask them to send you a
copy of the "Tax file number - application and enquiry for
individuals" or check your local Post Office or newsagent as they
may have them.

One you have completed the application you need to send it off to the
address that is on the form and you must also include certified copies
of your identification documents (see notes below on this). Do not
send original documents as the ATO do not return any documents to you.

Your "Proof of Identity":

When you apply for a Tax File Number (via either of the above methods) you
have to verify your identity to the ATO. You need to provide certain documents
to do this. The documents you require vary depending on whether you are over or
under 16 years of age.